DoD awards $13.5M for RIFLEMAN KITs, with 21966 units delivered under firm-fixed-price contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,509,096 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-01-24

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 615 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 8510402481!RIFLEMAN KIT

Place of Performance

Location: GUANICA, GUANICA County, PUERTO RICO, 00653

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.5 million to POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC for work described as: 8510402481!RIFLEMAN KIT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of apparel and protective gear. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of equipment. 3. Delivery order structure indicates potential for phased deployment and flexibility. 4. Firm-fixed-price terms provide cost certainty for the government. 5. Contract duration aligns with expected delivery timelines for specialized gear. 6. Focus on apparel manufacturing highlights a specific segment of the defense supply chain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.5 million for 21,966 RIFLEMAN KITs suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $615. This price point seems competitive for specialized military apparel and protective equipment, which often involves advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Benchmarking against similar defense apparel contracts would provide further validation, but the firm-fixed-price structure indicates that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: $615 per unit

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust market for RIFLEMAN KITs.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by ensuring the government receives offers from all capable sources, promoting a competitive marketplace.

Public Impact

Service members will benefit from the provision of essential RIFLEMAN KITs, enhancing operational readiness. The contract supports the delivery of apparel and protective gear critical for military operations. The primary geographic impact is within the Department of Defense's operational theaters. This contract supports jobs within the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically in defense-related uniform and equipment production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the exact components of the RIFLEMAN KIT could obscure potential value-for-money assessments.
The duration of the contract (615 days) may require follow-on procurements if the need extends beyond the specified period.
Without knowing the number of bids received, it's difficult to fully assess the intensity of the competition.
The specific performance metrics or quality assurance measures are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Awarding under full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potentially favorable pricing.
The contract is for a specific, identifiable need (RIFLEMAN KITs), indicating clear requirements.
The delivery order structure allows for flexibility in deployment and management of the procured items.

Sector Analysis

The defense apparel and accessories manufacturing sector is a specialized segment of the broader manufacturing industry. This contract falls under NAICS code 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing). The market for military uniforms and protective gear is substantial, driven by ongoing defense needs and modernization efforts. Spending in this area is influenced by geopolitical factors, troop deployment levels, and technological advancements in materials and design. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for similar military kits or individual uniform components.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by small business set-aside requirements. However, the prime contractor, POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC, may still engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would contribute to the broader small business ecosystem. Further analysis of the contractor's subcontracting plan, if applicable, would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense and the Defense Logistics Agency. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight would focus on timely delivery, adherence to specifications, and quality control. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, simplifying some aspects of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details might be less public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Uniforms
Personal Protective Equipment
Defense Logistics Agency Contracts
Apparel Manufacturing Contracts
Department of Defense Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for quality issues if contractor cost overruns occur under FFP.
Delivery timeline may be tight given the quantity and complexity of gear.
Lack of detailed component breakdown hinders precise value assessment.
Dependence on a single contractor (POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC) for this specific order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.5 million to POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC. 8510402481!RIFLEMAN KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-24. End: 2025-09-30.

What specific items constitute a 'RIFLEMAN KIT' under this contract, and how do their specifications align with current military operational needs?

The provided data does not detail the specific components of the 'RIFLEMAN KIT.' Typically, such kits include a range of items such as body armor, helmets, tactical vests, pouches, and potentially other essential apparel and protective gear. To fully assess the contract's value and effectiveness, a detailed breakdown of the kit's contents and their adherence to current military standards (e.g., NIJ standards for body armor, specific ballistic protection levels for helmets) is necessary. This information would allow for a comparison against industry best practices and ensure the equipment meets the evolving demands of modern warfare and soldier protection.

How does the per-unit cost of $615 for the RIFLEMAN KIT compare to similar contracts awarded by the DoD or other federal agencies?

The per-unit cost of approximately $615 for a RIFLEMAN KIT appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized military equipment, considering the potential inclusion of advanced materials like ballistic fabrics and composites for protection. However, a definitive value assessment requires benchmarking against comparable contracts. For instance, contracts for similar tactical vests, helmets, or integrated combat apparel systems awarded over the past 1-3 years by agencies like the Army or Marine Corps would serve as useful comparisons. Variations in quantity, specific technical requirements, and contract type (e.g., firm-fixed-price vs. cost-plus) can influence unit prices, necessitating a nuanced comparison.

What is the track record of POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC in delivering defense-related apparel and equipment, particularly under firm-fixed-price contracts?

POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS, LLC has a history of supplying protective apparel and uniforms to the U.S. military. Their track record likely includes numerous contracts for items such as body armor, tactical gear, and uniforms. Analyzing their past performance, specifically focusing on on-time delivery rates, quality compliance, and any history of contract disputes or modifications, would provide insight into their reliability. Experience with firm-fixed-price contracts is crucial, as it indicates their capability to manage production costs and deliver within the agreed-upon budget, which is a positive indicator for this specific award.

What are the potential risks associated with the firm-fixed-price contract type for this RIFLEMAN KIT procurement, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract is that the contractor may face financial losses if their costs exceed the agreed-upon price, potentially leading to quality compromises or delivery delays if the contractor struggles. For the government, the risk is paying a premium if the contractor's initial estimate was overly conservative. Mitigation strategies often include thorough pre-award cost analysis, clear and detailed technical specifications to minimize scope creep, and robust quality assurance surveillance during contract performance. The Defense Logistics Agency's oversight mechanisms would be critical in monitoring contractor performance and ensuring adherence to specifications, thereby mitigating risks associated with the FFP structure.

How does the total contract value of $13.5 million compare to historical spending on similar RIFLEMAN KITs or related defense apparel procurements by the Defense Logistics Agency?

The $13.5 million award for 21,966 RIFLEMAN KITs represents a significant, but not necessarily anomalous, expenditure for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Historical spending patterns for similar items, such as individual body armor systems, tactical vests, or complete uniform sets, would need to be examined. DLA procures vast quantities of equipment, and spending can fluctuate based on global operational tempo, equipment modernization cycles, and specific service branch requirements. Comparing this contract's total value and unit price to DLA's average contract values for comparable items over the last five years would provide context on whether this award is typical, higher, or lower than historical norms.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: PARQUE INDUSTRIAL CIENAGA CARR 332 KM 0.4 LOT 3, GUANICA, PR, 00653

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,509,096

Exercised Options: $13,509,096

Current Obligation: $13,509,096

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE1C123D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline